How does KC Chiefs offensive line rank against other NFL teams?

10. Kansas City Chiefs

There may be some people who will look at this list and see that the Chiefs round out the top 10 and think that it is too low of a ranking. Before you get all jumpy and defensive, think about the fact that this offensive line will be completely different with the possibility of five new starters. The one component that all offensive lines need is continuity. On paper, you could make an argument that they should be higher on this list, but let’s give it some time. There can be a point in the season where it looks like the Chiefs have a top five offensive line in the league with the talent the team has brought in..

The first major signing of the offseason for Kansas City was former Patriots’ guard Joe Thuney. The 28-year-old guard was arguably the best guard available in free agency this offseason, and New England reportedly did everything it could to retain Thuney’s service. Nonetheless, the Chiefs locked Thuney up with a five-year, $80 million deal.

Pulling off the trade for Orlando Brown Jr. was a feat that seemed impossible when looking at the fact that Brown was a Baltimore Raven. The Ravens may not have needed Brown Jr., but giving an excellent player at a position that your rival desperately needs makes no sense. The Oklahoma product has been stellar so far in his young career, and his experience with a run-heavy team should be an extra bonus for the Chiefs. Kansas City is not a team that runs the ball on a consistent basis, but the additions on the offensive line definitely give the Chiefs an opportunity to incorporate the run game into their offense.  The left side of the line is where you want your franchise quarterback to feel comfortable, and Thuney and Brown Jr. should provide exactly that for the Chiefs.

The center position will be one to pay close attention to in the offseason workouts. This will be an open competition between Austin Blythe and Creed Humphrey. However, Humphrey’s versatility and overall skill should get him the starting center job over Blythe. The former Oklahoma Sooner finished his collegiate career with 36 consecutive starts, and has the ability to anchor this offensive line for years to come. His quick hands and feet, paired with his football intelligence will allow him to manipulate opposing defensive linemen.

The right side of the line is where there are many question marks. Mike Remmers is not the best right tackle and has struggled at times, Kyle Long is coming out of retirement, Trey Smith is a sixth-round rookie, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Lucas Niang both opted out last season. Duvernay-Tardif was not particularly a fantastic right guard for the Chiefs, and Niang has yet to play a snap in the NFL. Additionally, Niang seemed to come into camp a little overweight, but Andy Reid did say that Niang looked good in rookie minicamp.

The right guard and right tackle position should be figured out closer to the start of the season, but the Chiefs have to be thrilled with the amount of options that they have at those two positions. Kansas City will enter the season with a very strong offensive line, and could take the load off of Patrick Mahomes’ shoulders, giving him a cleaner pocket to operate from.

The Chiefs potential starting offensive line:

• LT – Orlando Brown Jr.
• LG – Joe Thuney
• C – Creed Humphrey
• RG – Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
• RT – Lucas Niang